RailKing RAILKING F-3 AA SET Operating instructions

Brand: RailKing

Model: RAILKING F-3 AA SET

Category: Toys & accessories

Type: Operating instructions

This manual is also suitable for

30-4099-1

RAILKING F-3

READY-TO-RUN TRAIN SET

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Your RailKing

Ready-To-Run train set is complete with everything you need to get

your model railroad up and running. You get an F-3 diesel locomotive, a set of

three

passenger cars, a transformer, a loop of RealTrax, the RailKing wireless infrared remote

control, and the infrared activated remote lock-on. You also get M.T.H.’s exclusive

RailWare CD-ROM with track layout software and other information helpful to model

railroaders.

This locomotive is equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 with Digital Command System

(DCS). This new system will allow you to operate your locomotive in Command mode

(when used with the DCS Remote Control System, sold separately) or Conventional

mode. Conventional operating features are described in the following pages, while the

DCS operating features are covered in the set of operating instructions that

accompanies the DCS equipment. Conventional Mode operation of this locomotive is

much simpler than operation of original Proto-Sound engines.

M.T.H. takes pride in manufacturing high quality products like your train set, and we

hope that you will enjoy it for a long time. Please read all the accompanying instructions

carefully before setting up and operating your train set. With proper care, this set should

yield years of trouble-free performance.

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Table of Contents

Set Up

Set up Checklist 3

Assembling RealTrax

Plugging in the Transformer 5

Lubricating the Engine 5

Coupling the Engine and Cars 5

Basic Operation

Operation Buttons 6

Volume Control 6

Proto-Sound 2.0 Operation

Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Feature 7

Passenger Station Announcements (PSA) 7

Tips on Using PSA 9

Proto-Coupler

Operation 10

Speed Control 10

Lock into a Direction State 11

Reset to Factory Defaults 11

Automatic Sounds 11

Maintenance

Care of Remote Control 12

Lubrication and Greasing Instructions 12

Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track 13

Locomotive Traction Tire Replacement 14

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement 15

Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement 16

Self-Charging Battery Back-Up 17

RailWare Interactive CD-ROM 18

Troubleshooting 19

Compatibility 22

Transformer Compatibility Chart 23

Additional Features with DCS Remote Control System 24

Safety Precautions 26

Service and Warranty Information 27

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Set Up Checklist

• Assemble RealTrax®

• Connect the transformer

• Lubricate the engine

• Place the engine on the track and couple them together

• Position remote lock-on lens

• Apply power to run as described in the Basic Operation section

of these instructions.

Tools Needed

Cotton Swab or RagPhilips Screwdriver

RailKing Maintenance Kit or

Light Household Oil and Bearing Grease

Pliers Scissors

Set Includes

8-Pieces

O-31 Curve RealTrax

Steam Engine with Loco-Sound™

CD-Rom

Lock-On

Remote Control or Controller with wire harness

Caboose

Video

Steam Tender

Box Car

Tank Car

4-Pieces

Straight RealTrax

You can obtain replacement parts and replacement instructions from the

M.T.H. Parts Department

email: [email protected]

phone: 410-381-2580

mail: 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Assembling RealTrax

™

Unlike other O Gauge track systems, each RealTrax section features a realistic

built-in roadbed base, solid nickel-silver track rails, and realistic railroad ties,

all designed to give you an authentic looking track system. The quick

connectors and built-in roadbed allow you to set up RealTrax anywhere,

including most carpeted surfaces, without the need for track nails or the worry

of carpet stains.

Each RealTrax segment has at least one knock-out tab in the roadbed (on either

end of the segment) that can be removed with a pair of pliers to reveal an

opening for the lock-on that is used to connect the transformer to the track. To

assemble RealTrax, follow the instructions below.

Knock Out must be

removed before

Remote Lock On can

be installed

Remove Knock Out

by Holding and Twisting Up

with a pair of pliers

Make sure the

metal contacts

line up.

Fig. 1a-1d: Installation of Remote Lock On

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Connecting the Transformer

The Z-750

power supply included with this set provides an easy-to-use,

safe power source for most AC-powered trains and accessories.

Plug the wire from the transformer into the remote lock-on’s center port,

marked “Power,” then plug the transformer into the wall outlet. Insert two

AA batteries (not included) into the remote handheld.

Lubricating the Engine

You must lubricate the engine before operating it. Use a light household oil

and follow the lubrication points marked “L” in Fig. 5 on Page 12. Do not

over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.

Coupling the Engine and Cars

Our couplers are designed for realistic

operation. Place the engine and cars on the

track and couple them together. If the

coupler is already closed, press down on

the small finger that extends from under

the right side of the coupler to open the

coupler knuckle and allow the couplers to

interlock as shown in Figure 2.

Basic Operation

Push Down on Coupler Finger to

Release Knuckle

Figure 2. Coupling the Passenger

Cars Together

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Operation Buttons

Use the operation buttons on your remote as described below.

• Throttle – To increase or decrease track voltage, and therefore train speed,

press the throttle control rocker switch. Pressing the top end of the throttle will

increase voltage and speed. Pressing the bottom end of the throttle will

decrease voltage and speed. The engine will maintain the speed you set after

you release the throttle until you press it again to change the voltage and speed.

• Horn/Whistle - To sound the horn, firmly press the Horn/Whistle button. The

horn will sound for as long as you continue to depress the button. It will stop

when you release the button. The horn will have a different ending depending

on whether you hold the button for less than 3, 4, or 5 seconds.

• Bell - To sound the bell, firmly press and release the Bell button. To turn the

bell off, press and release the Bell button again. The bell will continue to ring

from the time your turn it on until you press and release the button again to turn

it off.

• Direction – Your train is programmed to start in neutral. To put the engine

into forward and then to change the direction of the train or to put it into neutral,

firmly press and release the Direction button on your remote. Just as you must

stop your car between forward and reverse, this engine will not go directly from

forward to reverse; it goes into neutral between directions. If the train has been

moving forward, the first press of the Direction button will put the train from

forward into neutral, the second press into reverse, the third press back into

neutral, and the fourth back into forward. To prevent accidental high-speed

start-ups, this engine is programmed to restart in neutral each time the track

voltage is turned off for 25 seconds or more.

• Emergency Stop – To drop track voltage instantly to 0, firmly press the

Emergency Stop button. All trains on the track controlled by the remote will

stop until you reapply voltage.

Volume Control – To adjust the volume of all sounds made by this engine, turn

the master volume control knob located under the engine clockwise to increase

the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume (see Fig. 4).

Proto-Sound 2.0 Operating Instructions

This manual contains the operating instructions for Proto-Sound 2.0 in

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

conventional mode only. Instructions for accessing DCS command mode

features accompany the DCS Remote Control System equipment.

Because Proto-Sound 2.0 is an all-new system developed by M.T.H.’s own

research and development team, it operates differently from original

Proto-Sound. Most Proto-Sound 2.0 features are automatically enabled, and the

reset state has been eliminated, so there is no need to program features as with

original Proto-Sound. Although the new system is easier to operate than

original Proto-Sound, you should read these instructions thoroughly before

using Proto-Sound 2.0 features in order to prevent harm to yourself or your

equipment.

Activating Proto-Sound 2.0 Conventional Mode Features:

Proto-Sound 2.0 features are activated by sequences of Bell and Whistle button

pushes described below. Please read the full descriptions of each feature before

using it. To use these buttons to activate features rather than to blow the

whistle or ring the bell, you should press the buttons for a shorter time (½

second); you may need to practice your timing to make this work smoothly.

Passenger Station Announcements (PSA):

Your engine is equipped with a sound package of passenger station

announcements that you can play when you pull into a passenger station.

Each

Proto-Sound 2.0

Volume Adjustment

Knob

Figure 4.

Location of the Proto-Sound 2 Volume Adjustment Knob

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

sequence described below will play as long as it is left on, randomly

generating sounds, but be sure to allow approximately 30 seconds

between the button pushes described below to allow the PSA sufficient

time to run through each sequence.

1. To cue the sound system to play the PSA, quickly but firmly press the Bell

button once followed by 2 quick presses of the Whistle button while the

engine is moving. As soon as you have keyed in this code, you will hear the

announcement for the upcoming stop and the bell will begin to ring.

2. Press the Direction button to stop the engine. This will trigger the first

sequence of PSA. The reverse unit is temporarily disabled so that the train will

not move as you use the Direction button to trigger the sounds, and

Proto-Sound 2.0 has disabled operator control over the Whistle and Bell

buttons until the full PSA sequence is complete.

3. After waiting about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the Direction

button again to trigger the second sequence of PSA.

4. After about 30 seconds, press the Direction button again to trigger the third

PSA sequence.

5. Again, after allowing about 30 seconds for that sequence to run, press the

Direction button one more time to trigger the fourth and final PSA sequence.

You will know it is the final sequence when you hear the “All Aboard!” call.

The bell will begin to chime and within a few seconds, the engine will start

and move out on its own at the current throttle setting, in the same direction it

was traveling when you began the sequence. Once the bell turns off, the

operator regains control of the transformer’s bell and whistle buttons and can

ring the bell or blow the whistle as usual.

Tips on Using PSA

Feature to Be Activated:

Passenger Station Announcements

Fire the Rear Coupler

Fire the Front Coupler

Speed Control On/Off

Lock into a Direction/Unlock

Reset to Factory Defaults

Button Code:

1 Bell, 2 Whistles

1 Bell, 3 Whistles

1 Bell, 4 Whistles

1 Whistle, 2 Bells (from Neutral only)

1 Whistle, 3 Bells

1 Whistle, 5 Bells (from Neutral only)

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

• You can terminate PSA at anytime by turning off power to the track for

15 seconds.

• You do not have to be in Forward to use PSA. At the conclusion of the

full sequence, the train will pull away from the station in whatever

direction you were going when you activated the feature.

• You can use PSA even if you are double-heading with another engine.

If the second engine is not equipped with PSA at all, you must remember

not to leave the throttle at a high voltage level once you have stopped the

engine to run the PSA. Otherwise, the engine without PSA will begin

vibrating on the track as its motors strain to move the train, since they

cannot be automatically disabled during the PSA cycle. If the second

engine is an original Proto-Sound engine equipped with PSA, you may

choose to disable it when used in double-heading operations, so you will

not experience competing PSA sounds. To disable PSA in an original

Proto-Sound engine, see the operating instructions for that engine.

• PSA can be triggered from Neutral. It will operate the same as if

triggered while in motion except that, at the conclusion of the PSA, the

engine will depart in the next direction of travel, as opposed to the

direction it was traveling before entering Neutral.

Proto-Coupler

Operation

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

This locomotive is equipped with two coil-wound Proto-Couplers for remote

uncoupling action. Because the Proto-Coupler is controlled through the

Proto-Sound 2.0 microprocessor, it does not require an uncoupling track

section or modification to your layout to function. Use the codes listed below

to fire the coupler.

Rear Coupler:

To fire the rear coupler, press the Bell button once followed immediately by

three pushes of the Whistle button. The sound of the liftbar and air line

depletion will play, and the knuckle will be released.

Front Coupler:

To fire the front coupler (if your engine is equipped with one), press the Bell

button once followed immediately by four pushes of the Whistle button. The

sound of the liftbar and air line depletion will play, and the knuckle will be

released.

Note: There is a coupler switch on this engine for use with a Dummy Unit. The

switch chooses between rear coupler of power unit and the Dummy Unit.

Speed Control:

M.T.H. engines equipped with Proto-Sound 2.0 have speed control capabilities

that allow the engine to maintain a constant speed up and down grades and

around curves, much like an automobile cruise control. You can add or drop

cars on the run, and the engine will maintain the speed you set.

While the engine is programmed to start with the speed control feature

activated, you can opt to turn it off. This means the engine’s speed will fall as

it labors up a hill and increase as it travels downward. It is also affected by the

addition or releasing of cars while on the run.

To turn speed control on and off, put the engine in neutral, then press the

transformer’s Whistle button one time then immediately press the Bell button

two times. Two horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change.

Repeat the 1 whistle, 2 bells code to return it to the other state. You will want

to do this during the initial neutral upon start-up if you ever couple this

engine to another engine that is not equipped with speed control to avoid

damaging the motors in either engine. Each time you shut down the engine

completely, it will automatically turn speed control on.

Lock into a Directional State:

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

You can lock your engine into a directional state (forward, neutral, or reverse)

to prevent it from changing directions. To do this, put the engine into the

direction you want or into neutral, to lock it into neutral, run it at a very slow

speed (< 10 scale mph), and quickly but firmly press your remote’s Whistle

button once followed immediately by three presses of the Bell button. Two

horn blasts will indicate that the engine has made the change. The engine will

not change direction (including going into neutral) until you repeat the 1

whistle, 3 bells code to return the engine to its normal state, even if the engine

is kept without power for extended periods of time.

Reset to Factory Defaults:

To override the settings you currently have assigned to the engine and reset it

to its factory defaults, while in Neutral press the Whistle button once, followed

immediately by five quick pushes of the Bell button. Two horn blasts will

indicate that the engine has made the change.

Automatic Sounds:

Certain Proto-Sound 2.0 sound effects automatically play in programmed

conventional mode conditions:

• Squealing Brakes play any time the engine’s speed decreases

rapidly.

• Cab Chatter plays when the engine idles in neutral.

• Engine Start-up and Shut-down sounds play when the engine is

initially powered on or is powered off for five seconds or more.

Maintenance:

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Care of the Remote Control

Your RailKing Remote Control System should offer years of trouble-free

service. There are a few things you can do to ensure trouble-free operation:

• If your train responds inconsistently, replace old batteries with fresh ones.

Do not mix old and new batteries.

• Remove batteries before storing for extended periods.

• Do not drop the remote. It can damage the delicate electronics inside.

• Any attempt by anyone other than an authorized M.T.H. repair person to

open and repair the handheld transmitter or lock-on may result in damage and

the loss of warranty protection.

Lubrication and Greasing Instructions

The engine should be oiled and greased in order to run properly.

You should regularly oil the engine and pickup rollers to prevent them from

squeaking. Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked

“L” in Fig. 5. Do not over oil. Use only a drop or two on each pivot point.

The locomotive’s internal gearing was greased at the factory and should not

need additional grease until after 50 hours of operation or one year, whichever

comes first. Use a lithium based grease and follow the greasing instructions

below.

1. Remove the four Phillips screws from the chassis, as seen in Figure 6, then

lift the body away from the chassis.

Lubricate Pick-Up

Roller (L)

Lubricate Pick-Up

Roller (L)

Lubricate Axle

Bushings (L)

Figure 5. Lubrication Points on the Engine

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

2. Remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the large Phillips

motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block, as shown in Figure 6.

3. Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away from

the truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear (in

the truck block) with grease.

4. Reassemble the truck and motor, being careful not to pinch the pickup and

ground wires between the truck block and motor mount.

5. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck

6. Reassemble the chassis and body, being careful that the wires are not

caught between the body and chassis, as this can lead to a short that may

damage the electronics beyond repair.

It is also a good idea to lubricate the outside truck block idler and drive gears

with grease occasionally. Add grease to the points marked with “G” in Figure

Cleaning the Wheels, Tires and Track

Periodically check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt and buildup,

which can cause poor electrical contact and traction and prematurely wear out

the neoprene traction tires. Wheels and tires can be cleaned using denatured

(not rubbing) alcohol applied with a cotton swab.

Motor Mount Screw

Body Mount Screw

Idler Gear (G)

Figure 6. Body Mount Screws and Greasing Points.

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

To clean the track, use a clean rag and denatured (not rubbing) alcohol. Unplug

the transformer and wipe the rails of the track, turning the rag frequently to

ensure that you are using clean cloth on the rails. Because the manufacturing

process leaves a coat on RealTrax, you should clean the rails after the first 30

minutes of use (you may smell something burning during initial use as the coat

burns off; this is normal). Thereafter, keep an eye on the track and clean it when

it gets dirty to ensure good electrical contact and to lengthen the life of the tires.

Traction Tire Replacement Instructions

Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on the rear

set of flanged drivers. While these tires are extremely durable, you may need to

replace them at some point.

1. Remove the truck sides from the truck block in order to slip the new tire over

the grooved drive wheel. To do this, remove the screws as shown in Fig. 7.

2. Make sure the old tire has been completely removed from the groove in the

drive wheel, using a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to pry away any

remains.

3. Slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it useful to use two small

flathead screwdrivers to stretch the tire over the wheel.

4. If you twist the tire while stretching it over the wheel, you will need to

remove and reinstall the tire. Otherwise your engine will wobble while

operating.

5. Make sure the tire is fully seated

inside the groove. Use a razor blade

to trim away any excess tire that

doesn’t seat itself inside the groove

properly.

6. Reassemble the truck sides to the

truck blocks.

Replacement Tires are available

directly from the M.T.H. Parts

Department.

Truckside Screws

Figure 7. Screws to Remove to Access the

Traction Tires

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Locomotive Light Bulb Replacement

To replace the light bulb in the locomotive, follow these instructions:

Follow the cab removal instructions found in the “Lubrication and Greasing”

section of this booklet. Once the body has been removed, rotate the headlight

bulb counter-clockwise as seen in Figure 8 to remove.

You can obtain replacement bulbs directly from the M.T.H. Parts Department

(phone: 410-381-2580; e-mail: [email protected]; mail: 7020 Columbia

Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532).

Locomotive

Headlamp

Figure 8. Location of the headlamp in the Engine.

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Roof Mounting Screw

Interior Mounting ScrewInterior Mounting Screw

Roof Mounting Screws

Figure 9. Instructions for Replacing the Lights in the Passenger cars.

Passenger Car Light Bulb Replacement

To replace the interior light bulbs follow these instructions and see the

diagrams below:

1. Turn the car over and remove the two mounting screws (as seen in Figure

9-1) holding the roof on.

2. Turn the car back over and gently lift the car roof away from the body and

chassis (see Figure 9-2) You may need to twist the car a little to make to roof

come loose from the body.

3. Gently pull the bulb away from its housing (see Figure 9-3) and push the

replacement bulb into the housing (like a Christmas tree light).

4. Reassemble in reverse order.

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Self-Charging Battery Back-Up

The special NiCad 7-cell 8.4v self-charging battery in this engine improves

performance at any speed. It ensures that power to the sound system will

remain on during directional changes, or when traveling over dirty track or

switches. The self-charging battery system is automatically turned on or off

whenever track power is turned on or off.

Track power (when applied) recharges the battery, which should last for up to

five years. The special NiCad battery is a dry battery that should not leak or

cause any damage to your engine. However, even this special battery will

eventually wear down and need to be replaced. When you notice that your

engine sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages or become silent when

power from the transformer is turned off, test the battery to determine whether

it should be recharged or replaced.

• Put the engine in neutral and leave the track voltage at 12 volts for 15

minutes

• If the garbled or distorted sounds are reduced, the battery charge has run

down and can be recharged. Do this by leaving the engine in neutral with track

voltage at 12 volts for 6-7 hours so the battery can fully recharge (if your

engine has a smoke unit, be sure it is turned off). Or you can remove the

battery (as described below) and charge it in any standard slow charge battery

recharger, following the recharger’s directions.

• If the sounds are not improved at the end of the 15 minute test charge, it is

time to replace the battery (see directions below). Contact the M.T.H. Parts

Department (phone: 410-381-2580; e-mail: [email protected]; mail:

7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia MD 21046-1532) for a replacement

battery. A standard 9v alkaline battery can be substituted until your

replacement arrives, but since alkaline batteries cannot be recharged, it will

eventually wear down. Do NOT use a 6-cell 7.2v battery like those found in

most convenience stores.

Unhook Wires, Remove

and Replace Battery

Figure 10. Removing and Replacing the Battery

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

RailWare Interactive CD ROM

M.T.H. provides a free RailWare CD ROM in each Ready-To-Run set. It is

full of helpful information on M.T.H. product history, track planning software,

a dealer finder, and information and video clips on Loco-Sound and

Proto-Sound 2.0. Follow the directions below to use the CD ROM.

Minimum System Requirements: Pentium 100, 16MB RAM, Windows 95 or

later, CD ROM drive, Sound Card, display properties set to greater than 256

colors. The CD will not work on a Mac OS unless you run VirtualPC

Running RR-Track Software

You may run the RR-Track software directly off of the CD-Rom or you may

install the software to your hard drive.

1. On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.

2. Find your CD-Rom drive.

3. With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the

CD-Rom drive.

4. Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.

5. Choose the folder inside entitled RRTRAXSETUP.

6. Run the file in that folder called SETUP.EXE and follow the directions it

provides.

The program may ask you for a registration code. If it does type in MTH and it

will run.

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Installing Adobe Acrobat Software

To read some of the electronic documents included on the CD-Rom, you will

need to install the Adobe Acrobat Reader

if it is not already on your

computer. To install the software:

1. On the Desktop, click on the icon that says My Computer.

2. Find your CD-Rom drive.

3. With the MTH CD-Rom in the drive, double click on the icon for the

CD-Rom drive.

4. Find the folder on the CD-Rom entitled INSTALLATION.

5. Choose the folder inside entitled ACROBAT READER.

*If you are running Windows 95, 98 or NT choose the folder 32 BIT. Run the

file AR32E301.EXE and follow the directions it provides.

If you have problems you cannot resolve by using these directions, contact

[email protected] for further help.

RailKing F-3 Diesel Engine

Troubleshooting Proto-Sound

2.0 Problems

Although Proto-Sound 2.0 has been designed and engineered for ease of use,

you may have some questions during initial operation. The following table

should answer most questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with this

table, contact M.T.H. for assistance (telephone: 410-381-2580; fax:

410-423-0009; [email protected], 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive,

Columbia MD 21046-1532).

Starting Up

Horn

Bell

Coupler

Remedy

When I first turn the power on, the

engine will not begin to run. I have to

turn the throttle off and then on again

to get the engine to operate.

I can’t get the horn to blow when I

press the whistle button.

I can’t get the bell to ring when I press

the bell button.

When I try to fire the coupler, PSA

starts.

The Proto-Coupler won’t let the engine

uncouple on the fly.

You may be pressing the button too

quickly. Try pressing the whistle button

more slowly, taking approximately one

full second to fully depress the button.

You may be pressing the button too

quickly. Try pressing the bell button

more slowly, taking approximately one

full second to fully depress the button.

You are waiting too long between

whistle button presses.

This is normal behavior. To prevent

accidental high-speed start-ups, Proto-

Sound 2.0 is programmed to start up

in neutral anytime track power has

been turned off for several seconds.

See the "Basic Operation" section for

more details.

Try lubricating the coupler knuckle

with a dry graphite lubricant. Do NOT

use oil.

The coupler does not fire or stay

coupled.

The coupler needs to be cleaned.

Wipe with denatured alcohol (not

rubbing alcohol) and let dry.

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RailKing RAILKING F-3 AA SET Operating instructions

Brand: RailKing

Model: RAILKING F-3 AA SET

Category: Toys & accessories

Type: Operating instructions

This manual is also suitable for

30-4099-1

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RailKing RAILKING F-3 AA SET Operating instructions

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